Gary & Connie Ott Home
Overview.
A home designed to welcome, endure, and flourish. In the summer of 2023, Marion Design Co. partnered with Gary and Connie Ott to design a brand-new home that reflects both beauty and intentionality. With a desire to “age in place,” host family, and enjoy the peace of rural life near their pond, the Otts entrusted our team to walk with them through space planning, finish selections, furnishings, and cohesive styling—from floor to ceiling.
This wasn’t just about building a house—it was about creating a lasting home that feels warm, refined, and ready for the next chapter.
Background.
Gary and Connie Ott approached Marion Design Co. with a thoughtful vision: build a home that feels lighter than their last one, while still grounded in timeless style and tailored to the way they live. With plans sketched by Gary himself, they were already clear about their goals: warmth, ease, and low maintenance—with ADA considerations and a layout that encourages both comfort and hosting.
From their screened-in porch to the open-concept living and kitchen area, this home was built with community and connection in mind. Connie brought with her a well-organized notebook of finishes and inspiration, along with a collection of cherished furnishings, original artwork, and rugs. Our role was to bring clarity to the process, guide design decisions, and create cohesive spaces that honored what they already loved—while introducing new elements that made the home feel fresh.
Objectives.
COMFORT & CONTINUITY
Process.
We began with a site consultation, walking the footprint of the home, taking inventory of existing furnishings, and reviewing design inspiration. Our scope included space planning, finish selection, lighting design, and the creation of mood boards and renderings to guide the build.
Together, we shaped a light and traditional interior with Tuscan undertones—using warm woods, textured rugs, pops of color drawn from Rod Crossman paintings, and a neutral foundation. Ceilings were planned at 10 feet throughout to allow light and openness. Paneling, coffered ceilings, and thoughtful transitions between rooms helped bring a sense of architectural cohesion.
We honored the Otts’ existing pieces, planning around a round dining table, bedroom sets, and existing rugs in grays, golds, and rust tones. Our team coordinated with local upholsterers to recover chairs and soften elements where needed.
The screened-in porch—designed with a future outdoor kitchen and heating—features a recovered crescent couch and thoughtful layout for entertaining. The laundry room includes custom dog-friendly solutions, like a Dutch door and built-in gate for Coco.
In the kitchen, we worked in partnership with Chateau Kitchens to extend cabinetry and reconfigure the island. The Otts kept appliances and ornate cabinetry from their previous home where possible. We coordinated with local contractors to assess how to repurpose their granite countertops and maintain visual continuity across the kitchen and pantry.
Lighting selections balanced reuse and refresh: antique-style fixtures over the island and dining table were kept, while new lighting was chosen for bedrooms, bathrooms, and walk-in closets. Floors were selected with both beauty and durability in mind—no carpet, just hardwood and tile throughout.
Renderings were provided to help with visualization and decision-making throughout the process. Together, we also explored adjustments to the floor plan, including the reconfiguration of the third bedroom suite to allow for a separate guest half-bath.
Results.
The new Ott residence is a home of intentional beauty and enduring warmth. With a blend of traditional and Tuscan elements, it feels rooted, yet refreshed. Key outcomes include:
Design with intention for aging in place, maintaining warmth and familiarity while integrating modern updates and ease-of-living features like motorized blinds and ADA-aware layout decisions.
PERSONALIZED CURATION
Reuse cherished furniture, rugs, and lighting fixtures where possible—supplementing with new pieces and custom finishes that reflect the Otts’ aesthetic and enhance function.
GATHERING & HOSPITALITY
Plan spaces around the Otts’ rhythms: casual meals at the island, grandkids around the table, quiet coffee on the porch, and space for Coco, their beloved dog, to feel at home.
Aging-in-Place Design
The layout includes wide hallways, accessible baths, and minimal maintenance materials—allowing the Otts to enjoy their home for years to come.
Personalized Interiors
The reuse of existing furniture and art makes the space feel familiar, while newly introduced elements like brass hardware, updated textiles, and lighter finishes bring it into the present.Space for Hospitality
From the large kitchen island to the porch and great room, the design welcomes gatherings and quiet moments alike.Holistic Design Support
Marion Design Co. supported everything from planning and coordination to lighting, finishes, and renderings—helping the Otts visualize their new home before it was built.
This project reflects what Marion Design Co. values most: listening closely, designing with care, and creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them.
